Hoyer Remarks at Press Conference After House Republicans Block Democrats' Efforts to End Government Shutdown

“Once again, in the twelfth day of the shutdown of government of the American people, the twelfth day of having people out of work, pledged to be paid but not working for that pay. Again, the Republicans have refused to put on the Floor legislation to open the people's government. We've had over 150 Members sign a petition to open the government now and to bring legislation to the Floor which would do that. We had scores of Members asking for unanimous consent of the body to do just that so the government could be open today.”

“As each of our Members have said, we believe very strongly there are the votes that have been displayed publically in terms of discussions with the press and with constituents, there are the votes to open up government. As Mr. Van Hollen said, they amended the rules just a few weeks ago so that only the Majority Leader or his designee, Mr. Cantor, whose state is being very adversely effected by the shutdown of government, could offer a motion to bring [H.J. Res 59] to the Floor. We would hope he would do that. We would hope the Speaker would do that. America wants that to happen, and they’ve clearly indicated that in every poll.”

“We’ve been here. We’ve demanded over and over and over again, this day, right now, we could open up the government. So, you know, it’s not a question of calling Members back or not… [Republicans] amended the rules so only Eric Cantor, the Majority Leader of the House, could put something on the Floor to open up government. Eric Cantor has indicated no willingness to do that. We’re ready to do it. We’re ready to do it tomorrow. We’re ready to do it Monday. We want to do it now.”